citation_inspection: 40130

Opie, a four-year-old neutered male corgi dog in good physical condition per the consignor and transporter, was accepted for consigned transport at approximately 6:50 PM ET on 30December2022 in Townsend, Delaware. The dog was transported in a crate in the transporter’s minivan. The dog was delivered to the receiver in Jesup, Iowa on Iowa at approximately midmorning on 05January2023. The dog was found cold, stiff and clearly deceased when the transporter and receiver opened the crate together in the transporter’s van in the midmorning of 05January2023. The transporter was unaware that the dog had died while in his possession. This information was verified by the transporter and the Iowa receiver and additional details are provided in the Field Service Report generated by the Captain of the Delaware Health and Social Services Animal Welfare Division, dated 06April2023. During a two-hour phone conversation held between the transporter, the Animal Care Transportation Specialist, and the Inspector on 07June2023 at 1 pm ET, the transporter was asked if he had completed the required written contingency plan. The transporter stated that he did not have a contingency plan and was not aware of the requirement. Not having a written contingency plan outlining how and when to seek emergency veterinary care during transport contributed to the starvation and dehydration death of this dog, as no veterinary care was sought when the dog’s health condition declined and the dog expired. The regulations state that intermediate handlers and carriers must develop, document, and follow an appropriate plan to provide for the humane handling, treatment, transportation, housing and care of their animals in the event of an emergency or disaster. Correct by 20June2023.